Infrastructure for

streaming video

When you're building real-time applications, whether for streaming platforms, SaaS dashboards, or security-sensitive services, you need content that adapts on the fly. Blocking suspicious IPs, injecting personalized content, transforming media on the edge—these should be fast, scalable, and reliable.Until now, they weren't.Developers and technical teams often had to work across multiple departments to create brittle, hardcoded solutions. Each use case, like watermarking video or rewriting headers, required a custom integration. There was no easy way to run logic dynamically at the edge. That changes with FastEdge Triggers.Real-time logic, built into the edgeFastEdge Triggers let you execute custom serverless logic at key moments in the HTTP lifecycle:on_request_headerson_request_bodyon_response_headerson_response_bodyFastEdge is built on the proxy-wasm standard, making it easy to adapt existing proxy-wasm applications (e.g., for Envoy or Kong) for use with Gcore. These trigger types align directly with proxy-wasm conventions, meaning less friction for developers familiar with modern proxy architectures.This means that you can now:Authenticate users' tokens, such as JWTBlock access by IP, region, or user agentInject CSS, HTML, or JavaScript into responsesTransform images or convert markdown to HTML before deliveryAdd security tokens or watermarks to video contentRewrite or sanitize request headers and bodiesNo backend round-trips. No manual routing. Just real-time, programmable edge behavior, backed by Gcore's global infrastructure.While FastEdge enables instant logic execution at the edge, response-stage triggers (on_response_headers and on_response_body) naturally depend on receiving data from the origin before acting. Even so, transformations happen at the edge, reducing backend load and improving overall efficiency.Our architecture means that FastEdge logic is executed in ultra-low-latency environments, tightly coupled with CDN. Triggers can be layered across multiple stages of a request without performance degradation.Built for developersFastEdge Triggers were built to solve three core pain points for technical teams:Hard to scale: Custom logic used to require bespoke, team-specific workaroundsHard to maintain: Even single-team solutions became brittle without proper edge infrastructureLimited flexibility: Legacy CDN logic couldn't support complex, dynamic behaviorWith FastEdge, developers have full control: no DevOps bottlenecks, no workarounds, no compromises. Logic runs at the edge, not your origin, minimizing backend exposure. FastEdge apps execute in isolated, sandboxed environments, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities that might otherwise be introduced when logic runs on central infrastructure.How it works behind the scenesEach FastEdge application is written in Rust or AssemblyScript and connected to the HTTP request lifecycle through Gcore's configuration interface. Apps are linked to trigger types through the CDN resource settings page in the Gcore Customer Portal.Configuring FastEdge Triggers from the CDN resource settings screen in the Gcore Customer PortalHere's what happens under the hood:You assign a FastEdge app to a trigger point.Our Core Proxy detects that trigger and automatically routes execution through your custom logic.The result is returned before hitting cache or origin, modified, enriched, and secured.This flow is deeply integrated with our CDN, delivering minimal latency with zero friction.A sequence diagram showing how FastEdge Triggers works under the hood A real-life use case: markdown to HTML at the edgeHere's a real-world example that shows how FastEdge Triggers can power multi-step content transformation without a single backend server.One customer wanted to serve Markdown-based documentation as styled HTML, without spinning up infrastructure. Using this FastEdge app written in Rust, they achieved just that.The app listens at three trigger points: on_request_headers, on_response_headers, and on_response_bodyIt detects requests for .md files and converts them on the flyThe HTML is served directly via CDN, no origin compute requiredYou can see it live here:README renderedTerraform docs renderedThis use case showcases FastEdge's ability to orchestrate multi-stage logic at the edge: ideal for serverless documentation, lightweight rendering, or content transformation pipelines.Ready to build smarter at the edge?FastEdge Triggers are available now for all FastEdge customers. If you're looking to modernize your edge logic, simplify architecture, and ship faster with fewer backend dependencies, FastEdge is built for you.Reach out to your account manager or contact us to activate FastEdge Triggers in your environment.Try Fastedge Triggers

In a CDN marketplace marked by provider shutdowns, price hikes, and shifting priorities, reliability is survival. If your current provider folds, you're not just facing downtime—you're losing revenue and customer trust. For the world’s top 2,000 companies, the total annual downtime cost is $400 billion, eroding 9% of profits. Choosing the right CDN partner isn’t just about performance, it’s about protecting your business from disruption.In this guide, we show you how to identify early warning signs, evaluate providers, and switch before your business takes the hit.Red flags: signs that it’s time to consider a new CDN providerIf you’re experiencing any of the following issues with your current CDN provider, it might be time to reconsider your current setup.Slower load times: If you’ve noticed lagging performance, your CDN provider may be running on outdated infrastructure or not investing in upgrades.Rising costs: Increasing prices without additional value? A higher bill and the same service is a major red flag.Uncertainty about long-term service: Look for clear communication and a demonstrated commitment to infrastructure investment, essential a market where providers frequently consolidate and shift focus.Your CDN should scale with you, not hold you back. Prioritize a partner who can evolve with your needs and support your long-term success.5 must-haves when choosing a CDN partnerNot all CDNs are created equal. Before switching, compare providers across these five key factors.Performance: Check real-world performance benchmarks and global coverage maps to understand how a CDN will serve your audience in key regions. Throughput (the amount of data that can be successfully delivered from a server to an end user over a specific period of time) and low latency are non-negotiable when choosing a CDN provider.Pricing: Before signing up, it’s essential to know what is and isn’t included in the price in case there are hidden fees. Look for predictable billing, volume-based tiers, and transparent overage charges to avoid surprise costs. Avoid vendors who lure you in with low rates, then add hidden overage fees.Security: Choose a CDN that offers built-in protection out of the box: DDoS mitigation, TLS, WAF, and API security. Bonus points for customizable policies that fit your stack. Strong security features should be standard for CDNs to combat advanced cyber threats.Edge computing: When it comes to Edge computing, understanding the power of this strategic CDN add-on can give you a significant advantage. Look for CDN providers that offer flexible edge compute capabilities, so you can process data closer to users, reduce latency, and improve response times.Future-proofing: The CDN market’s volatility makes partnering with providers with long-term stability vital. Pick a provider that’s financially solid, tech-forward, and committed to innovation—not just sticking around to get acquired.Choosing a new provider may feel like a challenge, but the long-term payoff—improved performance, lower risk, and a future-ready infrastructure—makes it well worth it. By picking a CDN partner that meets your needs now and for the future, you’ll receive fast, personalized, and secure experiences that truly stand out.What makes Gcore CDN different?Gcore CDN isn’t just another CDN, we’re your long-term performance partner. Here’s what we offer:Global scale, blazing speed: Our network spans 180+ edge locations across 6 continents, optimized for low-latency delivery no matter where your users are.Transparent, flexible pricing: No hidden fees. No lock-in. Just fair, flexible pricing models designed to scale with your growth.A stable partner in a shaky market: While others pivot or fold, Gcore is doubling down. We’re investing in infrastructure, expanding globally, and building for the next wave of content and edge use cases.If you’re ready to make the switch, we’re here to help. Get in touch for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and tailor a transition plan that suits your business. For more insights about choosing the right CDN for your business, download our free CDN buyer's guide for a more in-depth look at the CDN landscape.Get your free CDN buyers guide now

Online gaming can be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime, providing a sense of community and even improving cognitive skills. During the pandemic, for example, online gaming was proven to boost many players’ mental health and provided a vital social outlet at a time of great isolation. However, despite the overall benefits of gaming, there are two factors that can seriously spoil the gaming experience for players: toxic behavior and cyber attacks.Both toxic behavior and cyberattacks can lead to players abandoning games in order to protect themselves. While it’s impossible to eradicate harmful behaviors completely, robust technology can swiftly detect and ban bullies as well as defend against targeted cyberattacks that can ruin the gaming experience.This article explores how gaming studios can leverage technology to detect toxic behavior, defend against cyber threats, and deliver a safer, more engaging experience for players.Moderating toxic behavior with AI-driven technologyToxic behavior—including harassment, abusive messages, and cheating—has long been a problem in the world of gaming. Toxic behavior not only affects players emotionally but can also damage a studio’s reputation, drive churn, and generate negative reviews.The online disinhibition effect leads some players to behave in ways they may not in real life. But even when it takes place in a virtual world, this negative behavior has real long-term detrimental effects on its targets.While you can’t control how players behave, you can control how quickly you respond.Gaming studios can implement technology that makes dealing with toxic incidents easier and makes gaming a safer environment for everyone. While in the past it may have taken days to verify a complaint about a player’s behavior, today, with AI-driven security and content moderation, toxic behavior can be detected in real time, and automated bans can be enforced. The tool can detect inappropriate images and content and includes speech recognition to detect derogatory or hateful language.In gaming, AI content moderation analyzes player interactions in real time to detect toxic behavior, harmful content, and policy violations. Machine learning models assess chat, voice, and in-game media against predefined rules, flagging or blocking inappropriate content. For example, let’s say a player is struggling with in-game harassment and cheating. With AI-powered moderation tools, chat logs and gameplay behavior are analyzed in real time, identifying toxic players for automated bans. This results in healthier in-game communities, improved player retention, and a more pleasant user experience.Stopping cybercriminals from ruining the gaming experienceAnother factor negatively impacting the gaming experience on a larger scale is cyberattacks. Our recent Radar Report showed that the gaming industry experienced the highest number of DDoS attacks in the last quarter of 2024. The sector is also vulnerable to bot abuse, API attacks, data theft, and account hijacking.Prolonged downtime damages a studio’s reputation—something hackers know all too well. As a result, gaming platforms are prime targets for ransomware, extortion, and data breaches. Cybercriminals target both servers and individual players’ personal information. This naturally leads to a drop in player engagement and widespread frustration.Luckily, security solutions can be put in place to protect gamers from this kind of intrusion:DDoS protection shields game servers from volumetric and targeted attacks, guaranteeing uptime even during high-profile launches. In the event of an attack, malicious traffic is mitigated in real-time, preventing zero downtime and guaranteeing seamless player experiences.WAAP secures game APIs and web services from bot abuse, credential stuffing, and data breaches. It protects against in-game fraud, exploits, and API vulnerabilities.Edge security solutions reduce latency, protecting players without affecting game performance. The Gcore security stack helps ensure fair play, protecting revenue and player retention.Take the first steps to protecting your customersGaming should be a positive and fun experience, not fraught with harassment, bullying, and the threat of cybercrime. Harmful and disruptive behaviors can make it feel unsafe for everyone to play as they wish. That’s why gaming studios should consider how to implement the right technology to help players feel protected.Gcore was founded in 2014 with a focus on the gaming industry. Over the years, we have thwarted many large DDoS attacks and continue to offer robust protection for companies such as Nitrado, Saber, and Wargaming. Our gaming specialization has also led us to develop game-specific countermeasures. If you’d like to learn more about how our cybersecurity solutions for gaming can help you, get in touch.Speak to our gaming solutions experts today